Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
